Investing in People

SAS sponsors Special Olympics World Summer Games

Today I rooted for Dennis Davis – Denny, as his brother calls him – as he played one of the most important games of his life. Cheered on by his family and friends, Denny was fully focused on the game as he and his partner rolled the bocce ball to victory in the unified doubles competition. But it wasn’t the medals that mattered so much to Denny; it was the fact that he was in Dublin, Ireland representing the United States in the Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Having spent some time with Denny, his family and other members of the Georgia delegation, I can confidently say that these folks truly embody the spirit of the Games and are faithful to the oath the athletes took during the opening ceremony: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Denny was one of some 7,000 learning-disabled athletes who traveled from far and near to take part in this global competition. And I was one of many SAS employees lucky enough to be associated with such a special program. From funding international travel to outfitting athletes, SAS offices worldwide sought ways to support their countries’ teams. Volunteers from SAS South Africa, Russia, UK and others found ways to make a difference in the lives of some very special athletes. SAS Ireland staffers came out in droves, of course, to ensure that competitors and spectators alike felt welcome and comfortable in The Emerald Isle.

From SAS headquarters, too, came enthusiastic support for the Games. Says SAS’ chief marketing officer Jim Davis, "We’re using our corporate resources to make the world a little better by donating both money and software technology to this worthy cause."

I share Denny’s story with you because, if you’re a SAS software user, you probably know about the unprecedented percentage that SAS reinvests in R&D. But I also want you to know that SAS invests its resources into other, perhaps less likely projects such as the Special Olympics.

These are the investments that change lives. And these investments make SAS unique as a global technology leader that – no matter how large it grows – remains rooted deeply in the community.

Diana M. Levey
sas com Editor-in-Chief

Matthew Barnason
sas com International Editor